BMW X3 2006 xDrive30i (E83)
BMW X3 2006 3.0 petrol description
Crossover / SUV BMW X3 2006 xDrive30i has been produced from September, 2006 to January, 2010. It has six-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 3.0 litres, which produces power of 272 horsepower on 6650 rpm and torque 315 Nm (Newton metres) on 2750 revolutions per minute.
This 6-cylinder 24-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has fuel injection system, this is an atmospheric engine (without turbine). Engine versions compliant with Euro 4 and Euro 5 emission standards available. Engine lifespan (mileage before major repairs or overhaul) can last from 240 up to 410 thousand kilometres. Remember that engine life depends on regular maintenance and the quality of the materials used (oils, fuels, etc.).
More engine specs
The BMW N52 engine was the first water-cooled engine to feature a composite cylinder block made from a magnesium and aluminum alloy. It was included in Ward’s AutoWorld’s list of the top 10 engines in ...
This BMW X3 3.0 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 6.5 litres.
BMW X3 2006 xDrive30i has all four wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) and automatic gearbox with 6 gears.
BMW X3 2006 xDrive30i accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 7.5 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 210 km/h.
BMW X3 2006 xDrive30i fuel consumption is 9.7 litres per 100km in combined city/highway mode (10.3 km/l), fuel consumption in city - 13 l/100km, highway fuel economy - 7.6 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 67 litres or 17.7 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 680 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 880 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 12.3 litres per 100 km, which is 27% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real BMW X3 fuel consumption.
BMW X3 safety
During safety testing BMW X3 has obtained 4 stars from five, which means good safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of BMW X3 is evaluated with four stars, children safety - with four stars, and for pedestrian protection BMW X3 got one star.

BMW X3 2006 xDrive30i technical data
Model: | BMW X3 xDrive30i | ||
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Body style: | Crossover / SUV | ||
Production period: | 2006. September ... 2010. January | ||
Engine: | 2996 cm3 Petrol, 6 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 248 g/km |
Power: | 272 HP ON 6650 RPM | Torque: | 315 NM ON 2750 RPM |
Gearbox: | Automatic gearbox (6 gears) | Drive type: | All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) |
Top speed: | 210 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 7.5 seconds |
Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 9.7 (combined) 13.0 (urban) 7.6 (highway) | ||
Real fuel consumption: | 12.3 l/100km (19.1 MPG) by user reviews from various sources | ||
Fuel tank capacity: | 67 litres (17.7 gallons) | ||
Car dimensions: | 4.57m (length) 1.85m (width) 1.67m (height) | ||
Turning diameter: | 12 meters | ||
Ground clearance: | 201 mm (approximate, with standard suspension, unladen vehicle) | ||
Trunk capacity: | 480 litres | ||
Trunk max capacity: | 1560 litres (with rear seats folded down) | ||
Gross weight: | 2300 kg |
BMW X3 2006 xDrive30i engine N52B30
Engine reliability and common problems:
The BMW N52 engine was the first water-cooled engine to feature a composite cylinder block made from a magnesium and aluminum alloy. It was included in Ward’s AutoWorld’s list of the top 10 engines in 2006 and 2007. While it offers many advantages, the engine is known to face several recurring issues.The smaller 2.5-liter version often suffers from oil consumption problems due to its thin piston rings, which quickly coke up and seize. Additionally, after 100,000 km, valve stem seals tend to harden, further exacerbating oil consumption. This issue was largely resolved in engines produced after 2007, but for earlier models, the solution is to replace the valve stem seals and piston rings.
Idle fluctuations are commonly caused by issues in the Valvetronic or Vanos systems, or by a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor. Proper diagnostics are required to identify the fault and replace the defective component. Another frequent issue is the failure of the crankcase ventilation valve (CCV) membrane, which can destabilize engine operation and requires timely diagnostics and replacement.
Engines produced between 2004 and 2009 often exhibit ticking sounds from the hydraulic lifters when cold. This noise is not a sign of failure but a characteristic of the design. Additionally, the engine is prone to overheating, necessitating careful monitoring of the cooling system, including the water pump, thermostat, and radiator, along with regular maintenance.
Valve cover gasket wear is another common issue, leading to oil leaks that require replacement. Despite its weaknesses, regular maintenance and timely resolution of problems can ensure stable and reliable performance from the N52 engine.
Overall, this engine can last around 240,000 to 410,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
The engine has hydraulic valve tappets (lifters), which provide quieter operation and do not require periodic adjustment, but are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in the event of failure.
Engine displacement | 2996 cm3 |
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Number of cylinders | 6 |
Bore (cylinder diameter) | 85 mm |
Stroke length (piston move) | 88 mm |
Compression ratio | 10.7 : 1 |
Camshaft drive | Timing chain Chain motors are considered more reliable, chain replacement usually is required less often than a timing belt, but they are often louder and vibrate more. More service info |
Timing chain change interval | 120,000 km (recommended) Sometimes manufacturers do not specify timing chain replacement intervals and design chains for engine life. However, once the recommended change interval has been reached, it is recommended to periodically check the condition of the chain and to change the chain if excessive stretching is detected or if unusual noises from the engine or other symptoms occur. |
Fuel system | Injection |
BMW X3 2006 xDrive30i oil type | 5W-30 |
Oil capacity | 6.5 litres (6.9 quarts) More service info |
Coolant capacity | 10.2 litres (10.8 quarts) |
Power | 218 - 272 HP ON 6650 RPM |
Torque | 270 - 315 NM ON 2750 RPM |
Start of production (year) | 2004 |
Duration of production | 7 years |
Often in the first years of production, engines tend to have various constructive problems, so it is recommended to choose a car with this engine from 2007 onwards. |
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Engine also used on | BMW 5 sērija BMW 3 sērija BMW X5 BMW 7 sērija BMW 1 sērija and 4 other models |
Generally, the use of an engine in several models and its long production run is an indication of the quality of the engine and the success of its design. |
Most often compared to
All BMW X3 crossover [2006 - 2010] modifications
Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox |
---|---|---|---|---|
BMW X3 2006 2.0 xDrive20i 4x4
Sep 2006 — Jan 2010 Most fuel efficient petrol version |
2.0 Petrol | 150 HP | 9.3 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW X3 2009 2.0 18d 4x4
Jan 2009 — Dec 2010 Most fuel efficient diesel version |
2.0 Diesel | 143 HP | 6.2 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW X3 2006 2.0d 4x4 Sep 2006 — Sep 2007 | 2.0 Diesel | 150 HP | 7.2 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW X3 2007 2.0 xDrive20d 4x4 Sep 2007 — Jan 2010 | 2.0 Diesel | 177 HP | 6.5 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW X3 2007 2.0 xDrive20d 4x4 Sep 2007 — Jan 2010 | 2.0 Diesel | 177 HP | 6.7 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
BMW X3 2006 2.5 xDrive25i 4x4
Sep 2006 — Jan 2010 Most fuel efficient petrol version |
2.5 Petrol | 218 HP | 9.3 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW X3 2006 2.5 xDrive25i 4x4 Sep 2006 — Jan 2010 | 2.5 Petrol | 218 HP | 9.5 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
BMW X3 2006 3.0 xDrive30i 4x4
Sep 2006 — Jan 2010 Most powerfull petrol version (272 HP) |
3.0 Petrol | 272 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW X3 2006 3.0 xDrive30i 4x4
Sep 2006 — Jan 2010 Most powerfull petrol version (272 HP) |
3.0 Petrol | 272 HP | 9.7 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
BMW X3 2006 3.0 xDrive30d 4x4 Sep 2006 — Jan 2010 | 3.0 Diesel | 218 HP | 7.4 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW X3 2006 3.0 xDrive30d 4x4 Sep 2006 — Jan 2010 | 3.0 Diesel | 218 HP | 7.7 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
BMW X3 2006 3.0 xDrive35d 4x4
Sep 2006 — Jan 2010 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds |
3.0 Diesel | 286 HP | 7.8 l/100km | Automatic (6) |